2019 Geelong Chardonnay

Vineyard
Grown in a vineyard located in the Moorabool/Barwon valley region north of Geelong, this site was planted in the late nineties. Planted to traditional wide Australian vine spacing of 1.5m x 2.5m the canopy is managed with VSP. The rows run north-south up and over a slight rise. The soil is mostly black cracking clay commonly found on the volcanic plains that run west of Melbourne. Sections of the site have significant basalt rock content. 

Growing Season
The 2018/2019 season began with a wet September which saw the vines off to a great start. Warm, dry conditions arrived in time for flowering and a healthy crop was set. January was cooler than average, and these conditions continued through veraison and up until harvest. This gentle season led to moderate crop yields and importantly the retention of good levels of natural acidity.

Winemaking
The fruit was whole bunch pressed and settled in tank overnight. The next day it was racked to barriques where indigenous fermentation started after 2 days. Movement in and out of a cool-room controlled the maximum ferment temperature to <20˚C The wine matured on yeast lees for 8 months prior to being barrel select blended and bottled.

This wine displays a worthy match of vineyard site and the mighty Chardonnay grape variety.

Independent Review
"Single vineyard. Whole-bunch pressed, free run juice racked to 228 litre oak barrels, wild yeast ferment, 10 months on lee’s in oak (38% new) followed by barrel selection. Provenance has turned out another stunner of a Chardonnay, full of flavour, intensity and character. Runs the gamut from Golden Delicious apple, nectarine, quince and white peach to grilled nuts, with preserved lemon savouriness. Quite the mouthful of flavour, but all the while, nicely restrained."
95 Points Jeni Port – James Halliday Wine Companion

(Published on 13 August 2021)